Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are “on the right trajectory” to get the best from Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres.
The 27-year-old, signed from Sporting Lisbon last summer, had a slow start in the Premier League but has improved markedly. Since the start of 2026 he has scored eight goals in all competitions and has 10 in the league this season — already more than any Arsenal player managed last term. He also netted twice in Sunday’s north London derby.
“I think one thing leads to another,” Arteta said, explaining how confidence and understanding between Gyokeres and his team-mates is growing. He praised Gyokeres as “undoubtedly an incredible striker” and stressed the need to supply him with chances while the player adapts further to the team and the league.
When asked if Gyokeres had lost confidence, Arteta suggested the question was for the player but pointed to how Arsenal defenders find training against him challenging — a sign of his quality. “That’s a really good way to understand the quality of a player or how it is to defend him,” Arteta added.
Arsenal, five points clear of Manchester City (who have a game in hand), will look to extend their lead when they host Chelsea on Sunday. Chelsea have not beaten Arsenal in their last eight Premier League meetings (five defeats, three draws), but Arteta insisted past records “don’t change the preparation” and that each match requires fresh focus because contexts and squads evolve.
Arteta emphasised the team’s aim: having finished runners-up in recent seasons, they now only want to be first. “Always get better, always try to excel the possibilities of the team,” he said.